![GetStockImage[1]](http://www.bodymindsuccess.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/getstockimage1.jpg "Alkalize or Die?")
Alkalize or Die is the name of one of the books that best explained the importance of pH (Acid or Alkaline) and my body. Though the title may sound a bit harsh, I truly believe that understanding this topic is crucial to maintain a healthy body and lifestyle. If you don’t have the time to read the entire book, press here for a condensed version of pH balancing provided by Natures Sunshine. Take a few minutes to view it, print it and implement whatever makes sense to you.
If you prefer to just read on, here is an article giving a brief description of pH and its effects.
Unless you’re a high school science student or an avid gardener, these words probably have little meaning to you and most Americans. But they should. The more we learn about our bodies, the more we discover the importance of maintaining pH for good health.
(Want a printable booklet explaining pH and its benefits? Press here to view it and print it.)
pH is a measure of the balance between positively and negatively charged ions in the body fluids, i.e. blood, urine and saliva. A lower pH number (below 7) indicates that body fluid is on the acidic side. A higher pH number (above 7) indicates alkalinity. (A pH of 7.0 is considered neutral; this is the pH of distilled water.) This delicate balance can be an important indicator of overall health.
Researchers theorize, and results indicate, that most people are at least slightly “acidic”; their pH is low. If your pH is too acidic, your body borrows minerals—such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium—from vital organs and bones to neutralize the acid and remove it from the body. Although high acidity may not be outwardly noticeable, it can severely affect overall health in a negative way.
Alkalinity in the body is much more rare, but just as potentially serious. It often takes longer for a person who is “alkaline” to achieve balance than one who is “acidic.”
Minerals Buffer Acids
A recent study conducted at the University of California–San Francisco on 9,704 post-menopausal women showed that those who have higher acidity levels (also called chronic acidosis) from a diet rich in animal foods are at greater risk for lower bone density levels than those who have “normal” pH levels. The researchers who carried out this study hypothesized that many of the hip fractures prevalent among older women correlated to higher acidity from a diet rich in animal foods and low in vegetables. The body apparently borrows calcium from the bones in order to balance pH, and this calcium borrowing may result in a decrease in bone density.
—American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Jan. 2001, Vol. 73, No. 1, pp. 118–122.
Urine pH
Urinary pH levels can indicate how well your body is assimilating minerals, especially calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium. These are called the “acid buffers” because they are used by the body to control acid levels. When acid levels begin to increase, the body becomes less capable of excreting acid. It must either store the acid in body tissues, or buffer it—that is, borrow minerals from organs, bones, etc., in order to neutralize the increase in acidity. Urinary pH should fluctuate between 6.0–6.4 in the morning and 6.4–7.0 in the evening.
Saliva pH
You’ll also want to test the pH of your saliva. The results of saliva testing can indicate the activity of digestive enzymes in your body, especially the activity of the liver and the stomach. This reveals the flow of enzymes running through your body and shows their effect on all the body systems and your tissues. Some people will have acidic pH readings from both urine and saliva—this is referred to as “double acid.” Salivary pH should stay between 6.4–6.8.
Test your pH levels with the pH Test Strip Kit (Stock No. 2918-8).
pH Balancing Works!
“Balancing my pH helped me strengthen my immune system against unwanted invaders.”
—Kay Lubecke, National Manager, Ariz.
“I have seasonal health concerns of the respiratory system. I had tried many herbs with minimal success. Then Joan Vandergriff shared the pH information with me. After only three days of pH balancing, my pH was 6.4, and I was feeling great.”
—Paul Tsui, Regional Manager, Texas
“Managers in my group are increasing their business 25–50 percent with pH testing!”
—Jim Jenks, Sr. National Manager, Nev.
Get the pHacts on pH
Herbal programs may work more effectively when the pH is in balance. Get more from your supplementation program by balancing your pH. Get the pH Balancing Simplified booklet for free (Stock No. 2836-1) to get the facts about pH balancing.
Includes
- A comprehensive overview of pH in the body.
- Facts about the concerns associated with unbalanced pH.
- Dietary guidelines to keep your pH intake balanced
and more.
Balancing your pH could mean big health benefits down the road.
The Untold Truth III—pH Balancing Simplified features Senior National Manager Joan Vandergriff in a frank discussion about the importance of pH balancing and the health concerns associated with pH imbalance. Learn how pH influences the digestive, glandular, nervous, intestinal and immune systems. Discover how certain foods and environmental conditions can wreak havoc on pH balance. Hear Dr. William Cowden explain the science behind pH in the body, the seriousness of the health issues associated with high acid levels and much more. Get this valuable information today. Your health is in the balance!
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